Host of the Crownlands

[Lucius Malfoy]

A few miles from King's Landing, a great mustering of the Royal Host was being made. Tents were erected, palisades built, patrols formed and battle drums filling the air with noise. Banners of houses from all over the Crownlands flocked to the great war camp being mustered by the Crown Prince, Rhaegar Targaryen. It was to be a grand host, a mighty arm ready to smash the forces of the rebels that dared to rise up against their King.

Total Troop Numbers: 64,015 troops

Compositions

King’s Landing Host – 6,750 (Part of the Second Royal Army) 700 Heavy Infantry 1,475 Light Infantry 1,000 Polearm Infantry 1,025 Archers 600 Light Cavalry 200 Heavy Cavalry Large Levy Host – 11,388 1,500 Heavy Infantry 3,525 Light Infantry 1,899 Polearm Infantry 2,385 Archers 1,650 Light Cavalry 549 Heavy Cavalry Medium Levy Host – 7,245 (part of the Second Royal Army) 1,800 Heavy Infantry 2,325 Light Infantry 1,119 Polearm Infantry 1,500 Archers 1,050 Light Cavalry 348 Heavy Cavalry Small Levy Host – 24,840 3360 Heavy Infantry 7,200 Light Infantry 4,800 Polearm Infantry 4,680 Archers 3,600 Light Cavalry 1,200 Heavy Cavalry Reinforcements: 10,000 Light Infantry from the Reach (added to the Second Royal Army) 3,792 troops from Dragonstone (added to the Third Royal Army)

The Armies of the Royal Host (with Compositions):
First Royal Army of Rhaegar Targaryen: 9,960 troops
2,000 Heavy Infantry
2,000 Light Infantry
2,000 Polearm Infantry
2,000 Archers
1,000 Light Cavalry
960 Heavy Cavalry

Second Royal Army of Lord Rykker: 23,995 troops
Sub-commander(s): Ser Godric Lefford
2,500 Heavy Infantry
13,800 Light Infantry
2,119 Polearm Infantry
2,525 Archers
1,650 Light Cavalry
548 Heavy Cavalry

Third Royal Army of Oberyn 'the Viper': 25,000 troops
Sub-commander(s): Ser Jon Darry and Jon Connington
4,617 Heavy Infantry
7,780 Light Infantry
4,398 Polearm Infantry
3,867 Archers
3,945 Light Cavalry
713 Heavy Cavalry

Here is some reference to what the 10% levy left at each city

Info

KL Remaining - 750 50 Heavy Infantry 400 Light Infantry 100 Archers 150 Light Cavalry 50 Heavy Cavalry Remaining Large Levy Host – 420 50 Heavy Infantry 200 Light Infantry 100 Polearm Infantry 70 Archers Remaining Medium Levy Host – 268 50 Heavy Infantry 100 Light Infantry 93 Polearm Infantry 25 Archers Remaining Small Levy Host – 115 10 Heavy Infantry 75 Light Infantry 30 Archers

(Gonna need some Aux commanders and characters to help command the various armies since we can only have a max of 25,000 per army)

[Alexandrine]

Myles Mooton looked to the sea of tents erecting in the fields. "It is a mighty host, Your Grace. We will defiantly inspire fear into the hearts of our enemies."

[Poach]

Scouts report the sighting of a small party of men on horseback moving from the Riverlands into the Crownlands, avoiding the major roads. They were seen by a local innkeep who idly talked of it to a party of Crownlander Outriders who stopped the next morning to feed their horses, thinking them just another band of Crownlander scouts.

"After hard riding the party was located but not engaged," said the Captain "We're tracking 'em now. They don't look like scouts: reasonably armed and armoured, more like hedge knights, but not a badge on 'em, your Grace. Suspicious, coming in from rebel territory like that. I think they're looking for armies."

[OOC: If it's not obvious, you're supposed to capture them and bring them in.]

[Lucius Malfoy]

Scouts report the sighting of a small party of men on horseback moving from the Riverlands into the Crownlands, avoiding the major roads. They were seen by a local innkeep who idly talked of it to a party of Crownlander Outriders who stopped the next morning to feed their horses, thinking them just another band of Crownlander scouts.

"After hard riding the party was located but not engaged," said the Captain "We're tracking 'em now. They don't look like scouts: reasonably armed and armoured, more like hedge knights, but not a badge on 'em, your Grace. Suspicious, coming in from rebel territory like that. I think they're looking for armies."

[OOC: If it's not obvious, you're supposed to capture them and bring them in.]

Rhaegar listened to the report from the captain and strokes his chin slightly. He gives a gesture to the war camp's stables.

Take 50 Heavy Cavalry and 50 Light Cavalry. Get these men and bring them to the camp for interrogation.

[Poach]

The sun began to set and the shadows grew longer before the Captain returned to the Prince's tent, a bloody bandage wrapped around his left forearm

"We caught 'em your Grace," said the Captain wearily, "They put up a fight about it and they're knights for sure, reasonably good 'uns too. Got what we thinks their leader locked in a cage by the stables."

The Captain motioned for the Prince to follow, and the two went to the stables where a few bloodied men sat huddled in a collection of cages used for temporary storage of such prisoners. Two soldiers standing guard offered shallow bows as the Prince approached, quickly unlocking the cage and dragging a man bound by the hands out onto his knees. He looked young, but not boyishly so: twenties or thirties, it would seem.

Looking up at the Prince, speaking between laboured breaths, probably caused by the bandage visibly binding his chest beneath badly battered mail, he said, "I am.... not... a Rebel.... your Grace."

[Lucius Malfoy]

No rebel you say? Yet you came from the direction of the Riverlands with a full retinue of Hedge Knights. Who are you exactly?

Rhaegar approaches the man who was brought into his tent after speaking.

[Poach]

Godric groggily stood, prompting a few swords to be drawn and hands to be placed firmly on his shoulders, but they did not push him back down.

"I am Ser Godric Leff... Lefford, your Grace," said Godric with great effort, "I was sent to... learn of the affairs of the Realm."

A gulp of air preceeded his next statement.

"Lord Lannister awaits... the progress of the war to pick a side... for him. I would... serve you, your Grace. Honour... demands it."

He dropped back onto his knees. The pain in his chest from the laceration he received from a lucky sword thrust was increasing, and the haphazard bandaging the man that Godric could only presume was the village idiot had performed was sadly inadequate.

"Please, a Measter..." ​Godric mumbled as he looked at the dark red patch visible below the damaged mail.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Rhaegar glances at the captain for a moment, then at the Lefford before him. The Prince waves for a maester to come forth to tend to this Godric of House Lefford. So it seemed Lord Lannister was playing neutral for now. No matter, his focus was the approaching rebel forces more so than the Westerlands. As the Maester tended to Godric, Rhaegar inquired the Westerlander.

So you decided to come, by yourself, betray your family by serving my father, Aerys II?

[Poach]

"I was sent to learn of... ow! Learn of affairs befalling the realm, by my father." said Godric, whatever soup the Master had given him dulling the pain quite quickly, but not such that the rough removal of the bandages didn't hurt, "I'd heard of some rebels gathered at Darry as I crossed south of it into the Crownlands, where I was captured."

A moment of gritted silence followed as the Maester took to sewing Godric's wound shut, now that it was clean.

"Being here now, my mission over, I stand loyal to the Crown before any Baratheon."

[Lucius Malfoy]

"I was sent to learn of... ow! Learn of affairs befalling the realm, by my father." said Godric, whatever soup the Master had given him dulling the pain quite quickly, but not such that the rough removal of the bandages didn't hurt, "I'd heard of some rebels gathered at Darry as I crossed south of it into the Crownlands, where I was captured."

A moment of gritted silence followed as the Maester took to sewing Godric's wound shut, now that it was clean.

"Being here now, my mission over, I stand loyal to the Crown before any Baratheon."

Rhaegar listens to the words of Godric, examining this man's character as he spoke. Loyalty above family, Loyalty to the Crown above all. The Crown Prince hoped that once this war was over and when he succeeded his father as King, Rhaegar would have such loyalty.

I am in need of commanders, Godric. Whether they are my personal aides or commanding one of the royal hosts of His Grace, Aerys II. Do you have the skill, the ability, to command the King's royal troops against these villains?

Jon Darry approaches Rhaegar and bows, waiting to be spoken to.

Jon Darry's appearance surprised Rhaegar. He looks at the Kingsguard member with a curious look.

Jon Darry, what brings you to my attention?

Prince to Prince, my liege Rhaegar I send you this man of my country- he is sworn to your wife my sister, a childhood friend and a man I trust. He is irregular but has talent and fire in his belly. Although young in years he is a seasoned sellsword of Essos and as good as any banner therefrom
I counsel you to take him into your command and I implore you to accept his modest forces into the city to help garrison it and in need to defend my sister, your wife and your children whom are also the hope and future of Dorne as well as the Iron Throne.

Yours in loyalty, unbent, unbowed, unbroken Prince Regent Rors Nymeros Martell

After the letter was thoroughly read, Rhaegar has the man brought to him. Once this nominated person of the Prince Regent was brought forth, the Crown prince examined his character. Then his gaze looked up at the man directly.

A seasoned sellsword, as good as any banner, irregular but with talent and fire. Words of the Prince Regent. Does he speak truth or are such claims exaggerated, my friend?

[Axis Sunsoar]

Jon Darry approaches Rhaegar and bows, waiting to be spoken to.

[Pericles of Athens]

A lone man enters the Last Dragons camp. He is rough looking and dusky, a Dornishmen most like. He approaches one of the many officers patrolling about the camp, slyly handing him a letter. "Bring this to your master. Go now, I shall wait."

Prince to Prince, my liege Rhaegar I send you this man of my country- he is sworn to your wife my sister, a childhood friend and a man I trust. He is irregular but has talent and fire in his belly. Although young in years he is a seasoned sellsword of Essos and as good as any banner therefrom
I counsel you to take him into your command and I implore you to accept his modest forces into the city to help garrison it and in need to defend my sister, your wife and your children whom are also the hope and future of Dorne as well as the Iron Throne.

Yours in loyalty, unbent, unbowed, unbroken Prince Regent Rors Nymeros Martell

[Xion]

Some time after being dropped off in King's Landing, a column of ten thousand infantrymen bearing numerous banners of the Reach approach the encampment. A knight of Old Oak was elected to be their 'leader' as the force had no appointed nobleman to lead it and the fleet's admirals left already. The knight approaches the camp, asking to speak to Prince Rhaegar.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Some time after being dropped off in King's Landing, a column of ten thousand infantrymen bearing numerous banners of the Reach approach the encampment. A knight of Old Oak was elected to be their 'leader' as the force had no appointed nobleman to lead it and the fleet's admirals left already. The knight approaches the camp, asking to speak to Prince Rhaegar.

Rhaegar emerges from his tent and approaches a knight who had come from the Reach. He blinks at the sight of ten thousand light infantry, flying the banners of the Reach standing before the camp. The Crown Prince hides his grin, such forces could bolster the Second and Third Royal Hosts. He approaches the Knight.

And who do I have to thank for such reinforcements?

"Indeed, I will do so. It would not be a good idea to return to the keep now, I think."

​I shall place you under my own command, Ser Darry. As a Kingsguard you are sworn to protect my family and so you shall protect my person on the field of battle.

[Xion]

Rhaegar emerges from his tent and approaches a knight who had come from the Reach. He blinks at the sight of ten thousand light infantry, flying the banners of the Reach standing before the camp. The Crown Prince hides his grin, such forces could bolster the Second and Third Royal Hosts. He approaches the Knight.

And who do I have to thank for such reinforcements?

The knight bows. "Lord Tyrell, my prince. We were transported to the capital by the fleet of the Reach under the command of Lady Redwyne and Lord Hightower."

[Pericles of Athens]

The Dorneishmen's eyes were dark, fierce and clear as crystal with a singular purpose behind them. He grinned his smile was clear and white, a handsome smile for any man to have especially one of low birth. Though there was a strangeness to it, as if he were in on some jape only he was privy to, "Exaggeration I've learnt is the spice of life, though truth itself lies in the eye of the beholder, no? Am I a sellsword? Yes. Talented? Certainly. A fire in me? I suppose. Irregular? It depends who you ask. Good as any banner? With all due respect, I'm better than any banners you have."

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Dorneishmen's eyes were dark, fierce and clear as crystal with a singular purpose behind them. He grinned his smile was clear and white, a handsome smile for any man to have especially one of low birth. Though there was a strangeness to it, as if he were in on some jape only he was privy to, "Exaggeration I've learnt is the spice of life, though truth itself lies in the eye of the beholder, no? Am I a sellsword? Yes. Talented? Certainly. A fire in me? I suppose. Irregular? It depends who you ask. Good as any banner? With all due respect, I'm better than any banners you have."

I don't like men of talk. However, with the Prince Regent's approval, perhaps you can prove your worth on the field. I will have to consider where to put you...uh what was your name, stranger? The Prince Regent did not say it in the letter.

[OOC: For the sake of sensible-sounding RP orders of battle, I'll command an army with Godric in it but Godric will serve as some sort of Captain and I'll adopt a Crownlander Lord aux as 'General', Lord Rykker I think, as a bunch of Crownlands High Lords wouldn't submit to serving a second son from the Westerlands. ]

"I'll serve," said Godric, standing up as he spoke, "My abilities lie in the cavalry: scouting, foraging, screening, mobile combat. I was sent into the Crownlands for that purpose. Give me horsemen and I'll take the battle to the rebels, with or without my homeland."

He picked up his tattered chain with one hand, crusted with blood and slashed open during the outnumbered battle with the Crownland horsemen.

"I shall have to pay a visit to your Quartermaster, first." he said with a smile, holding up the mail and letting his arm come through the damaged section.

Well then, I believe we can find you a good cavalry regiment to command perhaps. Unless you would rather command a full host, Godric.

OOC: Sounds good to me, Poach!

Jon looks a bit uncomfortable.

"Your, ah... your father sent me to take command of 5,000 men and ride to Darry to fight the rebels there but it seems that there are some two enemy hosts there. I doubt 5,000 men would make a difference, but a King's command is still a King's command, so I figured I should at least make a show of coming here."

At least you followed your orders, Ser Jon. And sadly, I doubt 5,000 men can do the job at all. It would sending troops we need surely to their deaths. And the Royal Hosts need as many troops as we can must. Would you rather stay to command troops in order to carry out the King's command, Ser Jon? There may be a time when you can avenge your kin.

[Pericles of Athens]

I don't like men of talk. However, with the Prince Regent's approval, perhaps you can prove your worth on the field. I will have to consider where to put you...uh what was your name, stranger? The Prince Regent did not say it in the letter.

"Men have called me many things, most call me the Viper now, but the name my mother gave me at her breast was Oberyn."

[Lucius Malfoy]

"Men have called me many things, most call me the Viper now, but the name my mother gave me at her breast was Oberyn."

Then I shall give you command of the third and final host that is without a commander, Oberyn. Prove the worth that the Prince Regent has put upon you and the Iron Throne will reward you.

==============

With the command structure made, Rhaegar sends Light Cavalry out as scouts in three directions; North towards the Riverlands, South towards the Stormlands and another to patrol the Crownland's coastline.

OOC: Need three scouting rolls
1. Light Cavalry scouting the southern approach into the Crownlands
2. Light Cavalry sent to scout the southern parts of the Riverlands (Darry's HL especially)
3. Light Cavalry scouting Blackwater Bay (From Crackclaw to King's Landing then KL to Massey's Point)

[Poach]

OOC: Need three scouting rolls
1. Light Cavalry scouting the southern approach into the Crownlands
2. Light Cavalry sent to scout the southern parts of the Riverlands (Darry's HL especially)
3. Light Cavalry scouting Blackwater Bay (From Crackclaw to King's Landing then KL to Massey's Point)

1. The scouts return with no information of value, saying no enemy could be sighted nor valuable information gained from locals.
2. The scouts bring troubling news: enemy forces are massed at Darry! They are in the tens of thousands, with upper estimates of 50,000 men.
3. The scouts say there is a force ravaging Cracklaw, perhaps 20,000 men in size at best, possibly smaller.